In a support group, members provide each other with various types of help, usually nonprofessional and nonmaterial, for a particular shared, usually burdensome, characteristic. The help may take the form of providing and evaluating relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to and accepting others' experiences, providing sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks. A support group may also work to inform the public or engage in advocacy.

History

Formal support groups may appear to be a modern phenomenon, but they supplement traditional fraternal organizations such as Freemasonry in some respects, and may build on certain supportive functions (formerly) carried out in (extended) families.

Other types of groups formed to support causes, including causes outside of themselves, are more often called interest groups, advocacy groups, lobby groups, pressure groups or promotional groups. Trade unions and many environmental groups, for example, are interest groups. The term support group in this article refers to peer-to-peer support.

Maintaining contact

Support groups maintain interpersonal contact among their members in a variety of ways. Traditionally, groups have met in person in sizes that allowed conversational interaction. Support groups also maintain contact through printed newsletters, telephone chains, internet forums, and mailing lists. Some support groups are exclusively online (see below).

Membership in some support groups is formally controlled, with admission requirements and membership fees. Other groups are "open" and allow anyone to attend an advertised meeting, for example, or to participate in an online forum.

From Wikipedia under the GNU Free Documentation License
Wed Jul 8 01:27:39 2009

Are there any support groups for people who are victims of matricide?
Q. Are there any support groups for people who are victims of matricide? Who dose the family turn to when matricide trakes place. There are all kinds of support groups for pratically anything, except matricide. Why are we expected to go through this alone?
Asked by karmicharmony - Mon Aug 14 23:34:49 2006 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. plenty of stuff for grief man.
Answered by gsschulte - Mon Aug 14 23:37:49 2006

Are there any online support groups for new moms?
Q. I had a baby 10 months ago, and none of my friends have babies yet. I feel like my friends don't understand me anymore. My husband provides so much help & support, but I wish I had some girlfriends to share my new experiences with. Are there any online support groups for new moms like myself?
Asked by nickname - Mon Feb 25 02:17:39 2008 - - 8 Answers - 0 Comments

A. There are several you just have to get out there and look. There Cafemom.com is one of my favorites I'd highly recommend it. I'm in the same boat as you none of my close friends have kids and it's hard for them to understand my life style. My son is 2 now and I'm turning 23 so it makes it hard for young friends to comprehend tht I cant' just go out to a bar on a whim.
Answered by ash - Mon Feb 25 02:22:13 2008

where can I find listings of local support groups in my area?
Q. Im looking for support groups in missouri, north kansas city area for anxiety, depression, pregancy
Asked by Dana - Sat Apr 5 13:22:55 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Call your local health department (check your phone book or call the main city office), your local mental health office ( and/or your nearest public hospital. Also check your city's yellow pages under "mental health services.
Answered by Jayne says READ MORE BOOKS - Sat Apr 5 14:07:32 2008

From Yahoo Answer Search: "Support Groups"
Sun Jul 26 05:28:19 2009

See also:

  • Deadbeat LocatorsDeadbeat Locators
    deadbeatlocators.com
    Posts information on non-supporting parents sorted by state.
  • Child Support in IllinoisChild Support in Illinois
    groups.yahoo.com
    This is the place to share ideas, contact information for CSE and Government Officials and web sites you can visit to obtain information on child support laws in Illinois.
  • Fathers Child Support HelplineFathers Child Support Helpline
    childsupport.cc
    Helping fathers with their child support problems.
Custom search only Support Groups sites:

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Mon Jul 6 14:59:38 2009
support groups - Oneonta Daily Star
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support groups

Oneonta Daily Star

Domestic violence drop-in support group , 5 to 6 pm, presented by Violence Intervention Program. For info, location: 433-8038. Southern Tier AIDS Program ...
Health Calendar - TheDoings-ClarendonHills.com
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TheDoings-ClarendonHills.com

Adventist St. Thomas Hospice, 8230 S. Madison St., Burr Ridge, holds ongoing support groups and special events for adults, teenagers and children who are ...



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Host of groups show support for Indy awareness day - Tewkesbury ADMAG
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A HOST of charities and support groups are backing Indy Enabled Living's Indy Know community awareness day on Saturday (25). The event takes at Indy Enabled ...



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From Google News Search: "Support Groups"
Fri Jul 24 22:34:36 2009

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Download newsletter Support Groups We offer a variety of support groups We know that talking with others with similar concerns may offer support and encouragement to patients their caregivers or parents

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Support Groups Select a state or featured city below to locate Support Groups business listings There is a complete list of cities if you select a state

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From Yahoo Image Search: "Support Groups"
Sat Jul 25 12:38:10 2009

My Kids Deserve Better Blog Archive Parent Support Groups ...
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My Kids Deserve Better Blog Archive Parent Support Groups ...

Turtel

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:54:32 GM

Want to talk to other parents and network with them? Do you want to talk about your kids, parenting, your kids education, healthy foods and recipes, o.

Field Problem: Getting involved | Army Wife Network
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Field Problem: Getting involved | Army Wife Network

Field Problems

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 04:49:57 GM

If you live near or on a military base, local . support groups. may list their events in the paper. Religious Organizations Check the Yellow Pages for your new area to find locations and phone numbers. Call the . group. for information about ...

 Support Groups Help Patients Through Hard Times | Floyd Memorial ...
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Support Groups Help Patients Through Hard Times | Floyd Memorial ...

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hu, 02 Jul 2009 15:18:48 GM

We encourage patients and caregivers to take advantage of the many . support groups. available through Floyd Memorial, including: Look Good/Feel Better A.

From Google Blog Search: "Support Groups"
Sat Jul 25 17:41:25 2009